Asian Immigrant In New Zealand Says It Took 400 Job Applications Before He Got Employment

This story is one which I am sure most of us are not surprised about because for many of us – this is the story of our lives. I remember in the early 2000s ( yes my age is showing) when I was in my final year of my bachelors degree at University, and starting to apply for graduate level jobs, I am pretty sure I sent in at least 400 or more before I finally got a graduate position at the National Australia Bank – welp fast track 15 years and that career choice never worked out for me I guess.

Anyways, this story seems to be the same in NZ, where Asians in NZ appear to also need to send in shit loads of job applications before they even get a look in. Sad really, but reality for us Asians who live and work in the West. The NZ Herald interviewed Malaysian immigrant to NZ, ALEX TAN who stated that he had to send in 400 job applications before he finally got a job. It sounds depressing but its true for many of us. Here is more from NZ Herald:

A migrant from Malaysia applied for 400 jobs and had 21 interviews before he finally got a job – and now he’s warning other new arrivals to upskill on Kiwi lingo and is urging employers to welcome cultural diversity.

Alex Tan has spoken out after the release of research from employment and training organisation, Twin, found nearly 40 per cent of interviewers in the UK would not progress a candidate based on their lack of ability to communicate confidently and the quality of their voice.

A New Zealand recruitment consultant and a frontline advocate for migrants believe the situation is similar here.

The 47-year-old Tan, who moved to Auckland in February, found employment only after eight months and sending out hundreds of applications.

Tan, who lives with his partner and child, is a strategy consultant who helps businesses identify opportunities for growth.

He said he was told at many interviews that he was either overqualified or lacked Kiwi experience.

“I was quite surprised because I’ve worked in different types of businesses and organisations and have international experience.”

Tan said some Kiwi slang and phrases still sounded foreign to him, but he did not think this was the only reason he wasn’t being offered jobs.

“There’s still a very village mentality among employers here, and getting jobs is about who you know rather than what you know.

“I guess some employers are not too comfortable about offering jobs to people that are too different to themselves.”

He definitely speaks from the heart and it is a constant struggle. Will change come for us – yes, it will eventually, but we must be vigilant and keep pushing for change. It is about getting rid of the white establishment and really that is the only way we will see change.